Skiing Buying Guide

Ski poles provide balance and propulsion to downhill skiing. For Nordic skiing, poles are critical tools. In the backcountry, poles are needed for climbing as much as descending—even snowboarders may use poles to skin up mountains on splitboards.

Backpacks have become high-tech works of art. From features-strapped load-haulers designed for distance backpacking trips to ultralight shoulder-slingers, the options are myriad and choosing the right one can often feel overwhelming.

There’s a reason people don’t ski in jeans. On the hill, your legs are the most exposed part of your body, so it’s important to have warm, waterproof, breathable pants that fit your style of skiing or riding.

Your ski shell is your skin when you’re outside in the winter. It’s crucial for temperature regulation, weather protection, comfort, and general happiness. And just like your skin, it should shed water, breathe, and fit you just right.

Many people use all sorts of jackets, vests, sweaters and turtlenecks as mid layers. With a little planning you can accentuate the engineering of your base and shell layers, expand the temperature range of your outfit and minimize the bulk around your body.

Bearing new features and improved materials, beanies have become more than just the knitted winter caps your dad used to wear. Our guide will help you choose the best beanie for your sport and your steeze.

Bright sun, biting wind, flying chunks of snow, and tree branches are just a few of the reasons skiers and riders wear goggles instead of sunglasses. Myriad elements including lens color and construction, venting, size, fit and materials all affect the performance and price of goggles.

If you play outdoors and plan to stay outdoors, sunscreen ranks right up there with water and proper attire as a necessity. Basic knowledge about this wondrous protective invention could save you pain and even save your life.